Latin American Musical Cooking Show 'Súper Chefs' UK Tour: Dates, Venues, and What to Expect

Maya Productions' celebrated interactive theatre experience, Súper Chefs, returns for an exciting UK tour, offering a unique blend of music, culture, and culinary adventure for children aged 4-8 and their families. This bilingual show is designed to educate and entertain young audiences by celebrating Latin American food, culture, and family values. Through unique performances, audience participation, and live cooking, Súper Chefs brings the joy of cooking and cultural exploration to life.

The tour kicks off at Polka Theatre in London from October 10th to 13th, 2024, and travels across various UK cities, offering a lively, educational experience perfect for young audiences.

What is Súper Chefs?

Súper Chefs is a one-of-a-kind, Latin American-themed musical and cooking show. Directed by Maya Productions’ Artistic Director, Suzanne Gorman, and written by Betsy Picart with original music by Cuban composer Ariel Cubría, the performance takes children on a cultural journey full of catchy songs, interactive cooking, and educational moments.

The heart of the show centres around six-year-old Manny, who is excitedly preparing a special meal for his father, Tony. He’s joined by his mother, Valeria (a professional chef), his superhero sidekick Mighty Mujer, and his grandmother, Alma, who holds traditional views about gender roles in the kitchen. The show seeks to challenge these views, showing that cooking is for everyone—boys and girls alike.

Exploring gender roles through cooking

The main theme of Súper Chefs is to challenge stereotypes about who belongs in the kitchen. Manny’s grandmother, Alma, holds the traditional belief that cooking is a woman’s job, while Manny dreams of being both a chef and a superhero. This makes for a touching and humorous narrative that resonates with young children and their families, highlighting the importance of equality and teamwork in the family home.

The story teaches children that both boys and girls can contribute to meal preparation, and cooking together can be an enjoyable and collaborative family experience. The performance doesn’t just entertain; it aims to spark meaningful conversations about gender roles, tradition, and inclusion in a way that’s accessible and engaging for children.

Interactive cooking and audience participation

Incorporating audience participation is a key element of Súper Chefs. Throughout the performance, children are invited to help Manny prepare classic Latin American dishes like Colombian arepas and Mexican guacamole. This hands-on experience allows young audience members to feel like part of the story, as they learn about cooking techniques, ingredients, and the significance of food in Latin American culture.

Through music, dance, and cooking demonstrations, the show immerses the audience in the world of Latin American cuisine. The interactive nature of the performance not only keeps young minds engaged but also helps them learn valuable lessons about teamwork, family, and self-confidence.

Educational opportunities and national curriculum alignment

For schools and teachers, Súper Chefs offers much more than just an engaging show. It’s also a tool for learning, with resources that align with the national curriculum in subjects such as PSHE, Science, Geography, and Drama. Educational materials, including lesson plans and interactive workshops, are available to deepen students’ understanding of the show’s themes. These resources help connect the performance to classroom learning, making it an enriching experience both in and outside of school.

The cast of Súper Chefs

Súper Chefs brings together a talented, diverse cast, each adding their unique flair to the show:

• Juan Galeano stars as Manny. A Colombian actor based in London, Juan brings a wealth of experience in both stage and screen performances, adding depth to Manny’s character as he navigates family, culture, and self-discovery.
• Natassia Bustamante plays Valeria, Manny’s mother and a professional chef. A graduate of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Natassia embraces her Venezuelan heritage, excited to introduce young audiences to the flavours and rhythms of Latin American cooking.
• Samantha Manzur portrays Alma, Manny’s traditional grandmother. A Chilean actor with Palestinian roots, Samantha brings a rich cultural background to the role, adding authenticity to the narrative of generational and cultural perspectives in the family.

Production team and creative minds

Directed by Suzanne Gorman, Artistic Director of Maya Productions, Súper Chefs is backed by a highly skilled creative team:

• Ariel Cubría, an award-nominated Cuban composer, brings the show to life with his original Latin rhythms.
• Male Arcucci is responsible for the vibrant set and costumes that showcase Latin American aesthetics, immersing the audience in a culturally rich atmosphere.
• Harvey Ebbage as the lighting designer and Luis ‘Gustavo’ Silva Navarro as the sound designer work together to create an engaging sensory experience.

The creative team’s dedication to cultural authenticity and inclusivity ensures that Súper Chefs is not only fun but also representative of Latin American stories rarely seen in UK theatre.

Key tour dates and venues

Mark your calendars! Súper Chefs will be touring across the UK, bringing its musical and culinary magic to audiences far and wide. Some of the key dates and venues include:

• Polka Theatre, London: 10th-13th October 2024
• Brixton House, London: 28th October 2024
• Walworth Library, London: 30th October 2024
• Half Moon Theatre, London: 7th-9th November 2024

Additional stops include cities such as Bristol, Cambridge, Sheffield, Birmingham, and York. Each performance lasts approximately 50 minutes, offering the perfect length for young children to remain engaged throughout.

Bringing Latin American stories to UK audiences

Súper Chefs is more than just a fun show; it’s a celebration of the rich Latin American culture that is often underrepresented in the UK. Through the use of Spanglish, Latin music, and traditional recipes, the show provides an authentic and immersive experience. Latin American communities are one of the fastest-growing demographics in the UK, and Súper Chefs offers an important opportunity to spotlight their stories, traditions, and food.

By engaging young audiences with relatable characters, catchy songs, and participatory cooking, the show not only entertains but also educates on the significance of cultural heritage and family values.

Maya Productions: Creating diverse theatre for change

Maya Productions, the company behind Súper Chefs, has been producing diverse theatre for over 30 years with the goal of creating social change. Led by Suzanne Gorman, the company focuses on providing opportunities for Global Majority Background artists and ensuring that theatre is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, culture, or class.

Their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and education makes Súper Chefs a standout production that both celebrates and challenges cultural norms, encouraging young audiences to embrace the kitchen as a space for everyone.

Why you should see Súper Chefs

Súper Chefs is a must-see for families looking for a fun, interactive, and culturally enriching theatre experience. With its catchy music, audience participation, and positive messages about teamwork and gender equality, the show offers something for everyone. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or young aspiring chef, Súper Chefs promises to leave you inspired, entertained, and ready to cook up some delicious Latin American dishes at home.

Catch Súper Chefs on its autumn tour and be part of the culinary adventure!

Autumn Tour Listings:

• 1st November – The Montgomery Theatre & Arts Centre, SHEFFIELD, 11:00 and 13:30.
• 17th November – Friargate Theatre, YORK, 11:00 and 13:30.